Question 7 built on backroom deals

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake's op-ed concerning Question 7 ("Question 7 keeps money in Md.," Oct. 11) fails to mention that the reason it could, and should, fail is because our lawmakers have tied a concept the public welcomes on the ballot (table games) with an unsavory backroom decision to add another casino in Maryland. It would also lower the state's take which is already in place.

I am accustomed to the state legislature having a hand in my pocket, but who in Prince George's County has the clout to hold the whole state hostage for their own interests? I don't recall any drive for signatures for lower taxes on casinos or for any new casinos.

I guess it has fallen to Mayor Rawlings-Blake to be the wool-puller while Gov. Martin O'Malley is away running for national office.